Plumbing Supplies Every Homeowner Should Have

When you own your own home, you have to handle repairs yourself. This means paying out of pocket for a professional plumber. One way you can reduce that cost is by keeping some plumbing supplies on hand. These supplies won't fix all your plumbing issues, but they can help you get by, reduce water damage, and correct the issue for a short time. Here are a few of these supplies and what you need to know about each one.

Pipe Cutter

You may find that a leak in a pipe can be fixed by cutting the leaking portion and replacing that pipe. This may require something more powerful than a hacksaw or other similar tool. A pipe cutter can help with this. Pipe cutters come in various sizes and types, so you will need to choose the type that best fits your overall needs. Since PVC is a common pipe in many homes, you may want to start with that type of pipe cutter. You can also purchase a metal pipe cutter if you have primarily metal or a mixture of pipe materials in your home.

Pipe Auger

A pipe auger will allow you to get deep down into plumbing and pipe work to clear clogs. This tool is also called a pipe snake and can help when severe clogs are present, such as hair-based clogs. There are several types of pipe snakes, ranging from manual chain-style ones to drain openers that use a powerful burst of air to clear the pipe or a suction to suction out the clog. Depending on the durability of your pipe, you may want to consider the drain openers as a viable and quick option to clear clogs without breaking the pipes.

Adjustable Wrench

Depending on the location of the pipe and plumbing attachments, you may have the need for a wrench. The problem is that a traditional wrench may not be suited for removing and accessing the plumbing you are trying to fix. For this reason, you need to get an adjustable wrench that can handle a variety of sizes and jobs. Most wrenches will work on both PVC and traditional metal pipes.

You can find most of these plumbing supplies at local home improvement stores. Remember, some of the supplies may also be used for different home repairs and DIY projects as well. Larger repairs may require a license in order to buy the supplies needed. If this is the case, consider calling a professional instead of handling the repair yourself.